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The attached enclosure shall have the bottom secured to prevent predator added. The most common material for
securing the sides and bottom of the enclosure is galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh with half-inch openings.
There are two options:
1. The enclosure shall be buried at least 12 inches into the ground. Before digging, call Miss Utility at 800-257-7777; or
2. The entire bottom of the enclosure is secured.
The City of Annapolis recommends a chicken shelter called a “chicken tractor”. A chicken tractor (also known as an ark)
is a coop with an attached enclosure built without a solid floor to encourage foraging for grasses, weeds, bugs. This
widens their diet and lowers their feed needs. Chicken tractors have wheels on them so you can easily move the shelter
around your property.
Chicken tractors are not required to be built on a foundation or anchored to the ground.
Photos courtesy of thecitychicken.com
III. Are Chickens Right for your Home?
Before you think about getting chickens, it is advised that you do some research of information including State and local
laws on keeping chickens, how to care for chickens, the responsibilities regarding raising chickens, and how to create a
chicken coop that’s right for you. To start, see the “Useful Sources” page (V).
The Annapolis City Code states that each property is allowed, upon permit approval, to have up to five hens, no roosters.
Owners must have a coop and run approved by the City of Annapolis before they can have chickens on their property.
A sturdy coop with an attached, secure enclosure meeting City specifications must be provided to your chickens as a
condition of ownership. According to the registry and approval form conditions, the coop and attached enclosure shall be
completely enclosed on all sides, a bottom side, and a protective covering shall cover the top of the secure enclosure.
This will prevent predators from gaining access to your chickens and their eggs.
The coops and enclosures are subject to accessory structure setbacks, but in no case less than five feet from the property
line. The five-foot setback is the minimum allowable
setback, but City zoning codes, including Section 21.50 may have
larger setbacks depending on where you live. For information on zoning setback requirements, please contact the
Planning and Zoning Department at 410-260-2200.
IV. Choosing the Right Chicken
According to the City Code, only female chickens are allowed within City limits.
All owners of chickens will have to apply with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Poultry
Registration. More information regarding the registration form can be found at
http://www.mda.state.md.us/animal_health/poultryreg/index.php.